A 54-year-old man was found floating along the Suva harbour yesterday morning.

Lepani Cava, who was a resident of Kalekana in Lami and worked in a dalo processing factory, was identified by his nephew after his body was recovered.

Nephew, Nasoni Mara, 32, said he did not expect the man to be his uncle.

“We thought [Lepani] was at his uncle’s place which is close by be­cause whenever he went out, he always took his bag and umbrella with him.”

Mr Mara said his stuff were in the house, which is why the fami­ly thought he did not go anywhere far.

The late Lepani Cava.

“We were shocked when the Po­lice came and notified us about Lepani’s death. We had asked the Police twice if he was hurt or if there were signs of injuries.

“We cried when we heard the news because we could not be­lieve that he was gone,” he said.

Mr Mara said his uncle was a strong man who prayed every morning at 4 o’clock.

“He mostly mingled around with the church members.”

Lepani was a member of the Sev­enth-day Adventist church, and was described as a family man.

“We are curious to know the cir­cumstances of his death,” he said.

Mr Mara said his uncle always shared with him about his per­sonal stress and family worries.

“I always told him to calm down since he was not married and had no children. But he was always worried about his family and how the children will turn out in the future.”

He said Lepani was making Christmas plans with them on Sunday, and was also excited for his 55th birthday next year.

“On Sunday he ate at my place while he discussed about the things he wanted to do with us for Christmas,” he said.

Assistant Police spokesperson Savaira Gonedua said a post-mor­tem examination would soon be carried out to ascertain the cause of Lepani’s death.

Nasoni Mara holding a FNPF ID of the late Lepani Cava.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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